36 Weeks

Wow! It's been a crazy, busy time.  We have been going, going, going.  Coop turned 2, my family visited, we recently moved, and are working on unpacking.  Needless to say there has not been much down time.  Life is moving pretty fast and we are well aware it shows no signs of slowing down.  Taking time to stop and relax is not always easy, but it's very easy to remember how insanely blessed we are!

How far along: 36 weeks and 4 days--so so close!

Maternity clothes: Oh yeah.  This belly is here and on display for the world to see.  Strangers are asking me if I have a basketball under my shirt.  I'm just going to take that as a compliment.  I have maxi skirts in 5 different colors and am currently enjoying the comfort of those skirt.

Stretch marks: Yes!  WahWah!  Despite my best shea butter efforts I have stretch marks.  I found an awesome quote of Pintrest saying how stretch marks represent each breath your child took in your belly and I think that's pretty cool.

Sleep: On my left side with a body pillow. I lay on a heating pad every night to help with my lower back pain.  I am getting up only once a night to use the bathroom.  Some nights I can fall asleep pretty easily and others my mind races.  On those nights it takes a hour or so to fall back to sleep.  

Best moment last week: It's been so long since I blogged and there have been some great moments.  But one that is fresh on my mind is the impromptu family dance party we had this past weekend. We went to the Chowder Cook Off in CB.  After sampling some chowder (OMG) we walked over to the area where the band was playing.  C pulled J and me up to dance floor and began to shake his tail feather.  He was clapping, laughing, jumping, twirling, and having the time of his life.  He insisted we did not let him dance alone.  The look of joy on his face was the greatest thing I have ever seen.  He was so happy and it made us so happy.  On a totally related note he napped for 2 hours which allowed for me to nap AND slept until 7:00 the following morning.  He usually gets up between 5 and 5:30 AM so it was a treat to sleep in.  Dancing can wear a family out!

Movement: This girl is going to be dancing machine like her big brother.  The doc says he head is down which is great news.  The kids at school can see her move and think that's pretty cool.  It never gets old for me to watch her move.  It's always fun and makes me wonder what she is thinking in there...  

Food cravings:y  As the weather warms up I tend to crave fruit and summer drinks.  Strawberries, blueberries, kiwis, and grapes are my favorites right now.  I am also loving coke Icees.  There is a gas station down from our new house that serves them.  YAY!  The other weekend I bought a box of Honeynut Cheerios on a whim.  I've since gotten J hooked on them and we now are buying boxes in bulk.  C is a purist and sticking to the more healthful orignal CHeerios.

Gender: GIRL

We are not only moving, but getting a baby room ready, too!  We have decided on purples, greens, pinks.  Girly,but not too girly.  I'm really excited to get her room together.  The crib is up and my stepfather in law is putting the rest of the furniture together this week.  My mom is coming to help on Thursday.  She did not get to help with C's nursery so I know this will be a special time for us to put together her room.  

Labor signs: Having some Braxton Hicks that stop me every now and then.  As I said her head is down.  I opted not to get checked at the last appointment.  I probably will not until 38-39 weeks.  I am mentally preparing myself to be overdue again. This way if I go into labor I will be pleasantly surprised.

Belly button - in or out? Out and it''s not cute.  It sticks out on all my shirts and it's annoying.  Oh well. 

What I miss: y  Not huffing and puffing when getting up.  I am proud that I am not as big as I was last time so I am moving around much better this time around.  But as a friend pointed out this weekend I am nine months pregnant and it's ok that things aren't easy.  I miss being mobile.  J had to work so hard to get us moved out and in of the houses.  Being physically unable to lift stuff, climb up on chairs, and just bend over easily while moving is frustrating.  My grandmother spent the last 10 plus years of her life in a wheelchair and would be frustrated with having to ask people for help. My immobility is temporary and I'm grateful to able to move.  So despite the frustration, no whining here!

What I am looking forward to: Getting this house in order and making it a home for our family.  It is going to be a place where we will be for a long time.  We will bring our little girl home to this house.  Coop will learn to love his little sister here.  We will learn how to balance 2 kids here.  My kids will sit at the breakfast bar and have afterschool snacks while telling me about their day. I really want this place to be a comfortable home for us and a place for us to make new family memories.

Milestones: I think the biggest milestone is making it to 36 weeks!  It is homestretch and I'm nervous and excited.  We have decided this is the last pregnancy so knowing our family will be complete in less than 4 weeks is so exciting!  Anything could happen and it is up to this little LennyBean to let us know when the fun will begin!  

Weeks 27-29

How far along: 28 weeks and 6 days

Maternity clothes: Oh yeah!  And last time I was not as happy about maternity clothes.  This time I LOVE them!  They are comfortable and as I near 30 weeks that is the name of the game. I have a few work outfits that are stylish and feel like PJ's.  A winning combo.  I will say I will put on a few things and feel more balloon-like than cute, but then I remember that I am comfy so I'm ok.

Stretch marks: Nope.  Shea butter everyday.

Sleep:I'm tired!  But not because of pregnancy.  When I sleep I sleep great, but Little C has decided that 4AM is his new wake time.  Ugh.  I guess I'm just getting warmed up for when little Miss gets here.

Best moment last week: My birthday was last week and I got to spend it with my boys.  The weather was terrible here so school was cancelled on my birthday.  Jeremy made waffles and C and I stayed in our PJ's all day.  There were a few hiccups to the day.  The power flickered threatening to go off (some people lost power for 5 days!), tree limbs were snapping and falling, and J had to go to work during some terrible road conditions which had me stressed.  A few people let me down that day too which hurt my feelings.  But as I rocked C to sleep that night I realized how incredibly blessed I am to have a wonderful family and warm happy home.  It was a great lesson in gratitude.  

Movement: Still moving around like a ninja.  She makes me giggle when she kicks.  She seems to be responding to what I say.  She also likes to kick her big brother when we snuggle.  Oh sibling rivalry has begun.

Food cravings: Still craving sugar and after a birthday/snow week why not?  Oh yeah.  It's not good for me or the baby.  I've been upping my fruits and veggies as an act of contrition for all my cake sins.  I went out with some girlfriends for a belated birthday dinner and had rice veggies and chicken.  Eating healthy sometimes is no fun.  And this week it is not.

Gender: GIRL

I bought her a hot pink dress.  Progress people!

Labor signs: Zilch, thank goodness.

Belly button - in or out? Out.  SIgh.  Not cute.

What I miss: Breathing normally.  I am getting out of breath easily and long for the days of hopping up quickly from the couch.

What I am looking forward to: The weekend!  We have birthday parties to attend and have been consistently going to church as a family.  It's been great for J and me.  C is even going to church nursery.  It's a nice family ritual.  

Milestones: I turned 33.  It's going to be a crazy, but wonderful year.  Again, I was blessed with a honest moment of gratitude this week.  That moment left me so happy to be where I am right now and looking forward to what the Lord has in store for me.

Week 26 (Yes, I've Missed a Few Weeks)

So those wonderful holidays I was so excited for were just awesome.  So awesome I haven't posted in a while.  Christmas break was so busy.  My brother and future sister-in-law visited and we had such a laid back visit.  C had his first ear infection which was an adventure.  The poor little guy had never been sick until then so we were all overwhelmed and sleep deprived while trying to get our little guy better.  But he is a champ and was able to make a fast recovery.  His daddy was pretty great as well.  He stayed up with him on the tough nights so that I could rest. I'm a lucky girl in that department.  Not only did I get a good one, but C did, too!  We went to LR for a Christmas visit and had a blast.  After all that activity we were happy to get back home and had a few days to settle back into our routine before it was back to the grind January 4.  Needless to say it's been crazy, but a good crazy.  Now back to the pregnancy update:

How far along: 26 weeks and 1 day

Maternity clothes: Yes.  The stretchy stuff is just more comfy.  My belly has popped for sure and leggings remain my best friend.

Stretch marks: Nope, but I have my shea butter!

Sleep: I am sleeping on both my left side and propped up on pillows.  I usually end up hunkered down from my pillow fortress or really close to being on my belly.  This stomach sleeper is really excited to get back to sleeping on her stomach!

Best moment last week: C has turned into a major cuddle bug.  We have our routine before bedtime which is very special.  Right before he goes to he rolls over and puts his head on my shoulder.  It's such a sweet moment when I think I'm snuggling with my two babies.  I feel pretty lucky in that moment and that life is pretty grand.

Movement: The girl can move.  She loves to kick and will respond to J when he tells her hello.  C can get a bit rough crawling over me, but it seems like the girl can hold her own.  She kicks back!  I guess it starts now.  Since my belly is growing and a bit more prominent C will come up to me and poke my belly.  We try to explain to him that sissy is in there, but I think he has more fun playing with my belly button.  

Food cravings: I had a major sugar craving around the holidays.  I think it's because I was having more sweets than usual and little miss got a taste of the good stuff.  After working to lose the AHEM 50 pounds I gained with C, I've really tried to be healthful in my food choices.  And that's not easy when there's Nutella around.  I've been loving the fresh berry cups from Whole Foods and recently started eating it with KIND granola.  It makes me feel like I'm giving her the good stuff she needs.  I've been training for my glucose test so I've been drinking green smoothies for breakfast in an effort to get a good dose of iron.  I didn't have time to make one one school day and spent the day not feeling so good.  I'm hoping my body starts craving them  because that would be a habit I'd love to keep up after birth.  

Gender: GIRL

A friend gave us some pink gear that is just adorable.  She is going to be so snuggly and cute.

Labor signs: Zilch, thank goodness.

Belly button - in or out? Out.  As previously stated, C has taken notice and thinks its a button he can press whenever he pleases.  

What I miss: We have had some winter weather and even got some snow/ice.  We went outside pulled C around on a boogie board.  J did a little ice daredevil boarding.  I was the photographer and was very careful not to slip on the ice.  I would have loved to go slip and slide on the ice, but safety first!  

What I am looking forward to: Getting started on prepping her room and planning C's 2nd birthday.  We have done nothing to get her room ready.  It is still crammed with leftover Christmas decorations and odds and ends.  We are in process of picking bedding and getting ready for another crib in the house.  If we get it done by the time she gets here great if not, that's ok!  It's amazing how much more relaxed I am about getting stuff done with number 2.  Not that it's not important, but just that a perfectly decorated room will not make or break the child's development.  It will all get done and it will be great.  C's birthday is coming up so we are also discussing what to do for that.  It will not be as much as a production as his first birthday, but I'm looking forward to making it special for him.  After we celebrate him turning 2 we just sit back and wait to meet little girl!

Milestones: My BP got a little on the high side and they did some tests to check for pre-eclampsia.  It was a little stressful to think that I could go on bed rest this early.  Fortunately the tests came back negative.  It was a good wake up call to not take work so seriously and make sure I'm making good food choices and exercising.  J reminds me to remember that I need to stop and not try to do everything.  Learning to stop is a tough lesson, but it beats bed rest any day!

I went to the doc this past Tuesday and took my glucose test.  Everything looks good.  Baby measuring perfectly and heartbeat sounds great.  Hard to believe that it's flying by so fast.  She will be here before we know it and a new adventure as the Williams Four will begin!  

19 Weeks and ALMOST Half-Way There

How far along: 19 weeks and 5 days

Maternity clothes: Yes and no.  I wore some of those pants that I was able to zip last week to work this week.  They still fit, but now they just fit ok. I have a feeling that the band (the gift from above that allows you to wear regular pants while covering up the fact that your pants are unzipped!) is going to be getting some serious use.  More people are able to tell I'm pregnant which is good.  I like rocking a little bump.  Notice I said little! I hate the stage where you just look like you've had one too many doughnuts and everyone is afraid to mention you've  gained some LBs.

Stretch marks: Nope, but who knows what happens after a 2nd baby.

Sleep: It's ok.  I'm really over sleeping on my side.  I have found myself on my stomach more and more when I wake up in the middle of the night.  Still waking up around 2AM.  It's kind of annoying.  But I am able to get comfortable so I really can't complain.

Best moment last week: We had a really good, but busy weekend.  We went to two kiddie parties and visited Santa Claus.  It was great to have some good family time.  As Christmas draws near I keep thinking how different our life will be a year from now.  It makes me cherish these days and also loo forward to our family's future.

Movement: Yes and I'm feeling more movement each day.  I was rocking C tonight and she kept kicking her big brother as if to say hi.  Earlier in the evening C put his head on my belly and snuggled there for a while.  I think he was listening to his sissy.

Food cravings: Nothing too crazy.  I've been extra hungry so I think there is a growth spurt upon us.  I'm trying to eat healthy, but the holidays make it so hard!  I've been walking to help fight the holiday bulge, but people keep bringing doughnuts to work.  I need some self control or an intervention!! Or maybe just an apple.

Gender: GIRL

I officially have bought the child some girly clothes!!  I went to Carter's to get C some jeans and spent about a hour bouncing from the boy section to the girl section.  It was kind of fun to not be limited by a "side."  I got a little navy dress and a seafoam green legging outfit.  No pink yet and I'm totally ok with that.  

Labor signs: Zilch, thank goodness.

Belly button - in or out? Out almost immediately. Bleh.  One of my least favorite parts of pregnancy.

What I miss: Wine.  School has been rough lately. The kids are bouncing off the wall and there have been some high blood pressure days.  My nonpregnant self usually remedies those days with some pinot grigio, but now I'm settling for grapefruit juice in a wine glass!  It still feels fancy!

What I am looking forward to: Christmas break!!!  SO CLOSE!!  We are having some family visit and going to LR.  It's going to be busy, but oh so fun.  

Milestones: Making it to Christmas break and getting to spend some QT with my boys!

Oh Boy!! It's A Girl!

ow far along: 18 weeks and 4 days

Maternity clothes: Still mixing regular clothes and maternity clothes.  I unpacked some winter clothes today and found a few old pair of pants that I could still zip.  I was pretty pumped about that.  I am in that weird stage where maternity clothes do not look just right and regular are getting a little tight.  Again the leggings and dress look is my best friend.

Stretch marks: Nope.  Fingers crossed!

Sleep: I am sleeping a little bit better.  I have figured out my pillow arrangement which makes sleeping easier.  C has been teething so he has been waking at odd hours, poor guy.  He slept over at grandma's this weekend so we could get some sleep.  I was able to sleep in on Sunday until 9:00.  It.  Was. Heavenly.  I had so much energy all day that I was able to get winter clothes unpacked, the house straightened, and had some great family time with J and C.  Sleep is not overrated!

Best moment last week: We found out that we are having a GIRL!  We were both shocked and a little nervous when the tech told that we are having a daughter.  Whoa!  It looks crazy when I type it out.  We are all boy in this house, so the pink thing will be an adjustment.  Lucky for us we have time.  After our appointment we went and got C a pink balloon.  He loved his balloon, but I know that he is too little to truly understand that our family is growing.  We got to share the news with our family which was fun.  Everyone is very excited for a little girl to join our family.  

Another great moment this week happened when C started giving kisses goodnight.  That sweet boy has been giving kisses and hugs during the day that melt my heart for a while now.  But the other night I laid him in his crib and he stood up and grabbed me for a hug.  Then he planted a big ole kiss on his mama.  And he did it the night after that and the night after that.  Let's just say I was a big ball of mush and it is now the BEST part of my day.

One more great moment:  Jeremy and I had a nice date night on Saturday.  We went to Fish Bites (one of our favorites) and had fun just being adults.  We then came back to the house and had cocktails and mocktails while watching football and just hanging out.  It was good to just spend time with my hubby.  However we did spend an amount of time looking a C pics, talking about our baby girl and growing little boy, and throwing around girl names,  I'm grateful to have nights like that with my best friend.

Movement: Yes, the girl has moves!  She is a dancer for sure.  During her ultrasound she was always in motion.  It was hard to get some pictures with our tiny dancing shaking it all about.  

Food cravings: Still loving my red berry cereal.  I also had a craving for lemon bars and spaghetti.  And cold sandwiches have sounded good as well.  I'm not having as bad heart burn in week's past so I've been enjoying mealtime this week, thankfully.

Gender: GIRL

I'm struggling with the idea of a lot of pink, but excited to go to the "other" side of the baby clothing store.  Plus I am excited to work on a girly nursery!

Labor signs: Zilch, thank goodness.

Belly button - in or out? Out almost immediately. Bleh.

What I miss: Running.  I was able to run on the treadmill this week for about 5 minutes.  It felt great, but I wished I could have done more without that baby bouncing on my bladder.  Walking on the treadmill is boring, but running passes the time better.  

What I am looking forward to: Christmas vacation, decorating the tree, family visits!

Milestones: Starting to get organized around the house to prep for this baby!

A Humble Attempt to Document

So Baby #2 is due May 7th!  We are excited and scared at the same time.  We are one kid closer to becoming outnumbered.  I had all intentions to blog sooner, but life with a 20 month old moves pretty fast.  These days my down time is spent napping.  So here's to trying to keep up with a weekly updated blog!

How far along: 17 weeks and 1 day

Maternity clothes: Yes, but still able to mix in "regular" clothes.  I have been able to get into my regular pants up until now.  I am using the band to wear pants that can't, AHEM, button.  Thankfully leggings and boots are in.

Stretch marks: Nope thankfully.

Sleep: I fall asleep while watching TV every night, wake up to take my contacts out, and then try to go back to sleep.  I'm having trouble getting comfortable at night. I have found that sleeping on my left side with a body pillow is the best position. I drink a ton of water during the day and begin limiting water after dinner, so the nightly bathroom trips aren't so frequent.  I just wish I could sleep in!  C wakes up around 5:45-6 everyday so those late night naps are helpful.

Best moment last week: Knowing that I am on Thanksgiving break for a couple days.  Looking forward to time with family and friends.  My parents are coming in Friday so that will be lots of fun.

Movement: I have felt a flutter or two. Jeremy even felt one the other night.

Food cravings: Smart Puffs Cheese Puffs(baked and no artificial anything)  OMG so good!  C loves them too so J has to buy us each our own bag.  I haven't been hungry for dinner so around 10:30 every night I get hungry for Special K Red Berry cereal.  Weird craving: cherry cough drops.  I don't have a cold and don't have any need for them so I am refraining.

Gender: Don't know yet, though I have my suspicions.  Will find out next week

Labor signs: Zilch, thank goodness.

Belly button - in or out? Out almost immediately. Bleh.

What I miss: A big cup of Starbucks Peppermint Mocha.  I'm really working to limit caffeine.  I also miss wine and sushi.  My guilty pleasures.

What I am looking forward to: Finding out what we are having and watching C meet his new sibling.

Milestones: Getting past the worst of my nausea and starting to feel a bit more energy.

It's Ok To Not Be Ok

I heard this song tonight and was extemely struck by the words.  I have been struggling with a few things lately.  Who isn't?  There are times when the days are long and the work seems endless.  I have been putting crazy pressures on myself and in the process have beaten myself up for not being enough.  It's ok to not be the perfect mom, wife, teacher, etc..  I wasn't created to be perfect.  I was created to be me.  I make mistakes and that's ok.  I struggle and that's ok.  I shed tears when things are hard and feel hopeless at times and that is ok.  I must remember that perfection isn't my life's goal.  I must remain true to myself and remember that life isn't always rosey.  Struggles makes people stronger so this rough patch in my life is me getting stronger.  Thankfully my struggles will pass and I will be no worse for the wear.  My struggles are nothing compared to what others are going through.  I am painfully aware of that when watching the news.  It coul always be worse and I am blessed.   I'm not perfect and must remember that sometimes it's ok to not be ok....

this to myself?"
Losing my mind on a tiny error,
I nearly left the real me on the shelf.
No, no, no, no, no...

Don't lose who you are in the blur of the stars!
Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing,
It's okay not to be okay.
Sometimes it's hard to follow your heart.
Tears don't mean you're losing, everybody's bruising,
Just be true to who you are!


Brushing my hair, do I look perfect?
I forgot what to do to fit the mold, yeah!
The more I try the less it's working, yeah
'Cause everything inside me screams
No, no, no, no, no...

Don't lose who you are in the blur of the stars!
Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing,
It's okay not to be okay.
Sometimes it's hard to follow your heart.
But tears don't mean you're losing, everybody's bruising,
There's nothing wrong with who you are!

Yes, no's, egos, fake shows, like whoa!
Just go and leave me alone!
Real talk, real life, good love, goodnight,
With a smile that's my own!
That's my own, no...

No, no, no, no, no...

Don't lose who you are in the blur of the stars!
Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing,
It's okay not to be okay...
Sometimes it's hard to follow your heart.
Tears don't mean you're losing, everybody's bruising,
Just be true to who you are!
Yeah yeah yeah

 By Jesse J